Duncan Road and Gordon Downs Road

Project development and preconstruction activities are progressing, including preparation of road designs, geotechnical investigations, environmental and heritage investigations, installation of waterbores and stockpiling of gravel.

Works started in 2019 and continues in 2020 with gravel sheeting sections of road on the black soil plains on both Duncan Road and Gordon Downs Road. Work has also began on drainage improvements and construction of floodways

A Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony was held by traditional Jaru owners at Sturt Creek on 15 July 2020. The event was attended by representatives of the Shire of Halls Creek, Yaruman (Ringer Soak) Community and Main Roads and the project construction team.

Environment and Heritage approvals are being staged to accommodate the priority sections for 2019/20. A Clearing Permit has been approved by DWER.

Consultation with Traditional Owners is ongoing. Early consultation with Jaru representatives allowed work to start on the low risk sections of the project. Main Roads have entered into a Heritage Protection Agreement with the Jaru Traditional Owners to undertake Heritage surveys along the route

In 2020, works will focus on upgrading the road across the black soil plains to improve access during the wet season.

Duncan Road

• Upgrade gravel pavement on 18km section over black soil plains.
• Floodway and drainage improvements.
• Upgrade the intersection with Gordon Downs Road.

Gordon Downs Road

• Continue upgrading gravel pavement from Duncan Road to Sturt Creek crossing.
• Drainage and floodway improvements through to Ringer Soak Community.
• Upgrade and seal the Sturt Creek Crossing.

Project Activities for 2021

Planned activities in 2021 will focus on road safety improvements on the section of Duncan Road through the hills.

2022

Project expected to be completed.

• Improve road safety
• Improve efficiency of freight movements
• Reduce need for road closures during wet periods
• Improve access to critical services and employment across the broader Kimberley region for remote and Aboriginal communities

Funding

$51 million ($40.8m Australian Government, $10.1m State Government)

Find out More

Project Update - Shire of Halls Creek